You really got me thinking. All my appliances are brand new. I replaced all light with leds. I even replace my pool pump with a brand new 4 speed pump. I got this online"In 2015, the average annual electricity consumption for a U.S. residential utility customer was 10,812 kilowatthours (kWh), an average of 901 kWh per month. Louisiana had the highest annual electricity consumption at 15,435 kWh perresidential customer".

So how can I be consuming so much more. My windows are junk. That I am sure.

Are you in Lousiana? It's probably your AC. AC and hot water are the two biggest consumers. I can believe those numbers if you're in an older home. Most electric companies have programs that will help you identify/reduce your consumption. Check with them.

You can "insulate" your windows by making inserts with acrylic glazing from the home store; done carefully they're nearly invisible, and MUCH cheaper than new windows.

I have a "Florida room" which is mostly windows. I don't even try to cool it in the summer. However it's been boarded up since before Irma, and the difference a few sheets of plywood make is amazing.__________________Solar is like the wind. It may be free, but putting it to work isn't!Willie, Tampa Bay

Wow $43,000 is a lot for a solar system. My early consumption is a bit over 17,000 Kwh. I am also doing my research now about going solar or not. The last offer I got is for $22,000 for a similar size kit as you described (a bit smaller). Here are few tips I can give you:

1) Offers from solar system installers are very different, surprisingly to me. I got quote even up to +$50,000. The cheapest offer I got was from a smaller company. I think I will go with them, they beat any price so far.

Ask quotes from several companies for the best price.

2) DIY is the best. I know someone that did it on his own and he ended up with ridiculously LOW costs. I am talking around 30% less! Unfortunately I don't have the courage and experience to do it myself...

Is the 17000 kwh for a year? Multiply that by the price you have to pay per kwh and figuring payback time for your solar system should be pretty easy.__________________Solar is like the wind. It may be free, but putting it to work isn't!Willie, Tampa Bay

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